Show Starters and Stoppers

Developing Choirs

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

Finding the right piece to open and close a concert is often one of the most time-consuming concert programming tasks. We understand this struggle and provide music that will highlight your choir during these important moments. The "show starters and stoppers" below will grab your audience's attention and have them begging for an encore!



A Merry, Merry Christmas to You!
Douglas E. Wagner
Sing good wishes to all in this festive offering that creatively incorporates the familiar We Wish You a Merry Christmas tune. Accessible ranges and straightforward counterpoint make this seasonal winner a snap to learn and a joy to perform.

Three-part Mixed and Two-part

Baby Born in Bethlehem
Victor C. Johnson
Quoting Go, Tell It On the Mountain, the excitement surrounding Christmas comes to life in this rockin’ gospel-style selection. Add a driving piano bass line and an optional synth track accompaniment, and you have a piece that's sure to bring energy to any choral concert!

Three-part Mixed and SATB







Jing Jingle Bells
Douglas E. Wagner

Create an exhilarating, feel-good experience with this bright arrangement of the seasonal classic that is paired with a clever original melody. The optional accompaniment puts the final tinsel on the tree and guarantees fun for all at your next holiday concert.

Three-part Mixed or Two-part





Mozart's Celebration Canon
Tom Fettke
Full of teachable moments, this mini-Mozart masterpiece features a fresh text that is fun and easy to memorize. Opening with the harmonized tune, the music gives way to each part singing the melody in canon over the supportive piano accompaniment. Spread the tidings far and wide, love will come at Christmastide...let’s Celebrate!

SAB and SATB





Have a Merry One!
Mary Lynn Lightfoot
An ideal opener or closer that incorporates snippets of Deck the Hall and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, this holiday selection is a quick learn! The clever conclusion builds in intensity and culminates in a resounding wish for all to Have a merry one!

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, and SSA






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Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading.  

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.